The Ways & Regulations of Prayer

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Shaykh ‘Utsman Nuri Tufbas wrote, in “Islam, Spirit, & Form”, the ways and regulations of prayer, and also the sunnah prayers that the Prophet (s.a.w.) always performed or the ones he usually did, should be attentively observed.  These are essential parts of the five daily prayers besides the optional ones throughout the day.  There are many narratives attributed to the Prophet (s.a.w.) in this regard, “The two units of sunnah of morning prayer is more beneficial than the world and also all the creation in the world.”  This is from Swahih Muslim. 

As recorded in Jami’ at-Tirmidzi, “The Prophet (s.a.w.) used to pray four units before the obligatory units of the noon-prayer, and he also used to pray two units after that.” 

Also recorded in Jami’ at-Timidzi, “May Allah (s.w.t.) Show Mercy to those who pray four units before the obligatory units of the late afternoon prayer.” 

Another such hadits states, “Hurry up to pray the two units of sunnah prayer after the three obligatory units of evening prayer as it is uplifted together with the obligatory units.” 

The following narrative is said to refer to the four extra units before the late-night prayer: “There is a prayer between the adzan, and the iqamat.”  This is from Swahih al-Bukhari. 

And the two extra units after the obligatory units of the late evening prayer is known to have been done by the Prophet (s.a.w.) routinely. 

One of the most important aspects of prayer is to do it in time.  Whenever the Prophet (s.a.w.) was asked, “What is the most virtuous worship?” he answered, “The prayer that is performed in time.”  This is also from Swahih al-Bukhari. 

So, it is preferable to offer prayers as soon as their time is due.  The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, in this regard, “Allah (s.w.t.) is Pleased with those who offer prayers in their due time, but He Forgives those who do them towards the end of the time.” 

Apart from the five daily prayers, there is also the obligatory jumu’ah prayer.  It is offered, in congregation, with a sermon, on Fridays in place of the noon prayer.  All adult male Muslims must take part except for travellers.  It is not a must for women, but they can join.  It is said, in the Qur’an, about the importance of Friday prayer: 

سُوۡرَةُ الجُمُعَة

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا نُودِىَ لِلصَّلَوٰةِ مِن يَوۡمِ ٱلۡجُمُعَةِ فَٱسۡعَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ ذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِ وَذَرُواْ ٱلۡبَيۡعَ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّكُمۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ (٩) 

O ye who believe!  When the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday (the Day of Assembly), hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah, and leave off business (and traffic): that is best for you if ye but knew! (Surah al-Jumu’ah:9)